NOVEMBER IS LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Mesothelioma kills 3,000 people every year in the United States . . .

The law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg, long recognized by the legal community for obtaining record-setting verdicts for asbestos-injured workers, condones greater public awareness of one of the deadliest types of lung cancers, mesothelioma, a fatal work-related disease that the firm hopes will garner greater public awareness this month, November, the nation’s Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November 1, 2009 - November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and one type of lung cancer that requires greater public awareness is mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by occupational asbestos exposure.

Used heavily as a building material until the 1980s, asbestos was hailed throughout the 20th century as a miracle mineral for its fire retardant properties. And when added to construction materials, it made them strong and durable, as well as heat and flame resistant.

But what the public doesn’t know is that the asbestos threat is not over. Though the use of asbestos is being phased out, workers are often exposed to asbestos-containing materials in the course of their careers. Regular exposure can lead to lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Exposure occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled through the nose or mouth. They become trapped inside the lungs and fester for years, even decades, before the mesothelioma disease can be diagnosed.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Mesothelioma cancer is an occupational disease linked to asbestos exposure. Industries that have placed workers most at risk of exposure include the: automobile, construction, electrical, power plant and shipyard industries.

In many cases, the mesothelioma latency period can last decades. Those workers who develop the cancer are often not aware anything is wrong until it is almost too late.

There is currently no cure for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, can be provided in order to help stop the spread of the cancer and to alleviate its symptoms.

Mesothelioma symptoms include coughing, chest pain, weakness or fatigue, and difficulty breathing.

The most common form of mesothelioma is malignant pleural mesothelioma, but the cancer can also affect the heart and stomach.

When it’s time to seek justice . . .

Weitz & Luxenberg has protected the legal rights of asbestos-injured workers since 1986. And in that time the firm's mesothelioma lawyers have won several billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients injured by job-related asbestos exposure.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and seek a free case review, please notify us through the communication form on this page. The firm works on a contingency basis, so there is no cost to you until we obtain a verdict or reach a settlement in your favor.